First Belgian Fleet Deployment: VM-Milktrans and Sovedo Logistics
Mercedes-Benz Trucks has delivered its first eActros 600 units to a Belgian customer. VM-Milktrans and its affiliate Sovedo Logistics are now operating two of six eActros 600 trucks. These Class 8 electric trucks are dedicated to long-haul milk collection logistics across Belgium.
Both companies operate under Michiel Verdonck and represent the first customer in Belgium to adopt the electric long-haul truck developed by Daimler Truck.
Key Deployment Details
- Vehicle: Mercedes-Benz eActros 600
- Range: Up to 500 km (310 miles) per charge without intermediate stops
- Daily Distance Potential: More than 1,000 km (620 miles) with mid-day charging
- Gross Train Weight: Up to 44 tons
- Charging: Two stations with four chargers each, powered by on-site solar energy
- Operational Start: July 2025
Designed for Long-Haul, Not Just Last-Mile
The eActros 600 is built to replace diesel-powered tractors in long-distance freight operations, not urban deliveries. With its 500 km range under optimal conditions and the ability to fast-charge during regulated driver rest periods, Daimler claims 1,000 km+ operational days are achievable.
This makes the eActros 600 competitive with diesel, assuming charging can be efficiently scheduled around existing rest mandates.
Range Assumptions
| Condition | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Standard Operation (40 tons, 20°C) | 500 km (310 miles) |
| With Midday Charging | 1,000+ km/day |
Range was measured internally using a 4x2 semi-trailer with a gross train weight of 40 tons.
Charging Infrastructure: Solar + Storage = Energy Independence
The Belgian operation was not limited to trucks. VM-Milktrans and Sovedo Logistics installed a fully integrated charging infrastructure with support from multiple Daimler Truck partners:
- Two charging hubs, four chargers each
- Solar power modules for daytime energy generation
- Battery storage system for 24/7 availability
- Smart load management using intelligent control systems
This means trucks charge entirely on-site using electricity that’s mostly self-generated.
Key Infrastructure Partners
| Partner | Role |
|---|---|
| Van Mossel-Vereenooghe | Vehicle sales and delivery |
| Thoré | Charging infrastructure setup |
| Lanoye Technics | Solar power and battery integration |
| Daimler Truck BeLux | Vehicle and infrastructure consulting |
| Daimler Truck Financial Services Belgium | Financing and leasing structuring |
Financing Strategy: All-In-One Leasing Model
Electrification is capital-intensive. Daimler Truck Financial Services Belgium simplified the process with its eService Leasing model:
- Covers trucks, batteries, and charging stations
- Bundled into a single monthly invoice
- Reduces complexity for fleet managers
This turnkey financial structure is designed to lower barriers to electrification, making it easier for small- and medium-sized fleets to adopt zero-emission trucks.
Operational Model: Long-Distance Dairy Logistics
Unlike many early electric truck deployments focused on urban logistics or last-mile delivery, VM-Milktrans and Sovedo Logistics are putting the eActros 600 to work in a high-mileage dairy transport operation. Daily routes often exceed 1,000 km, demanding both vehicle endurance and reliable charging access.
What Makes Dairy Logistics Ideal for Testing?
- High daily mileage, forcing rapid real-world data collection
- Regular return-to-base cycles, allowing depot-only charging
- Heavy loads, useful for stress-testing drivetrain and regen systems
